AS CHRISTIANS MARK THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST; GOV DICKSON URGE NIGERIANS TO SHOW SOLIDARITY AND LOVE FOR NATION, REGARDLESS OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES

AS CHRISTIANS MARK THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST; GOV DICKSON URGE NIGERIANS TO SHOW SOLIDARITY AND LOVE FOR NATION, REGARDLESS OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES

24/12/2014.
As Christians the world over celebrate Christmas, Governor Seriake Dickson has again enjoined Nigerians to show solidarity and love for one another regardless of their ethnic and religious differences.

However, Dickson, who made the call in his Christmas message, also sued for concerted prayers for national peace, stability and unity in view of the trying times facing the country.

He noted that the current economic and security challenges facing the country are not peculiar to the nation, stressing, however, that, what is required of every Nigerian is a high sense of patriotism to move the country forward.

Delivering the message at a Christmas Carol service at the King of Glory Chapel Government House in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson reminded Nigerians that, they do not have any nation, other than Nigeria and should therefore, do everything within their reach to ensure its indivisibility.

According to Hon. Dickson, “all we need to do is to work together, love and support one another; pray for your government; pray for your leaders; pray for our president and also pray for our nation and state because these are very trying times”.

“With you all joining in prayers and support, we know that the present administration, which has made the stability of our country, its cornerstone, and development, as a key article of faith, is ever determined to take the nation higher and higher”.

The Bayelsa State Governor, particularly urged Christians to reflect on the life and times of Jesus Christ, and emulate His footsteps in their dealings with others.

Addressing Bayelsans, Hon. Dickson thanked them for their support right from the inception of his administration, reassuring the people that the government would continue to fulfill its part of the social contract within the limits of available resources.

While lamenting the dwindling resources accruing to the state, the governor, however, expressed hope that, with fervent prayers and understanding of the people, his administration would carry on its restoration agenda unfettered.

His words; “Pray that, the year 2015 will be better than 2014. From about the month of March this year, the revenues of our state started nosediving, not just the revenues of our state, but the revenues of our country are affected. And, because most of our revenues are from derivation, we are worse hit than so many, as a result of our weak IGR base. “But we have managed to get along. You are aware that a number of states cannot, even pay salaries. As we speak, they are owing civil servants. They can’t pay for several months, but we are managing to get along.

Continuing he said, “we would have loved to do a little bit more, particularly at this period than we are currently doing. But, whatever little thing that comes your way, accept it and thank God Almighty for that little provision. And we trust that by thanking God, He would give us more resources in 2015.”

Governor Dickson, who wished Nigerians a happy, prosperous and peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations, also congratulated the nation’s security agencies for their patriotic efforts in maintaining peace and order in the country.

In his exhortation, the State Pastor of Deeper Christian Life Church, Yenagoa, Pastor Emmanuel Amaeze admonished Christians to be mindful of what they do in celebrating Christmas.

Pastor Amaeze gave the reminder that Christ was born to reconcile a lost world back to God and therefore, urged Christians to jealously guide the salvation of their souls.

Wife of the Governor, Dr. Rachel Dickson, Secretary to State Government, Prof. Edmond Allison-Oguru and Head of the State Civil Service, Sir Frazer Okuoru were among dignitaries, who read bible lessons at the service.